Tammy's famed Chinese restaurant has graced Nicollet Avenue since 1987. Remember when it was across the street and way in back? But all nostalgia aside--does Rainbow's new happy hour menu merit a trip back to deepest, darkest Eat Street?

Steamed vegetable dumplings on the bar

​Venue: We all suggest Rainbow Chinese to people who move to town or come for a visit, but be honest--how long has it been since you've been to this old fave? The place is still hopping and presently festooned with red New Year's finery, featuring a special Year of the Rabbit menu until February 14. There is the usual dining room seating, as well as a few precious seats at the bar, which are surprisingly comfortable and afford more familial treatment by the staff (which is a bonus in our book).

Szechuan Chopped Ribs, as promised

​Verdict: For happy hour, the tap beer selection was more than we hoped for (Blue Moon Ale, Surly
Cynic, Surly Furious, Sapporo, Guiness, Black & Tan, and Surly
Bender) and the special White Rabbit cocktail of vanilla creme vodka with maple and cardamom was spiced in a fresh way that is a welcome departure from sweet dessert drinks. But let's be real here. We're in it for the cheap eats at a not-so-late hour. We rolled in at 8:30 p.m. and ate ourselves silly, downing Szechuan Chopped Ribs, veggie dumplings, and the tofu salad (a refreshing accompaniment to the ribs), plus a few cocktails. Sated and feeling smart, our only complaint about the "late-night" Rainbow deals is the fact that from Sunday through Thursday it is quite literally available for just one nighttime hour. However, we reminded ourselves to make a mental note to revisit this happy hour on the weekend. For our money, we can't think of a better food and drink-centric happy hour at 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

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With Azia now off Eat Street, locals should consider Rainbow an upgraded alternative. Sure, it may not have the same lounge-y feel, but the food is better and the prices (especially the happy hour prices) are spot-on! Now if only they had sushi...